The Promised Of Elaria

A Mother's Welcome

Ethan barely had time to blink before one of the women, her breath ragged and hurried, came running toward the group. She stopped just short of the woman leading him and bowed slightly, her eyes wide with excitement.

“The Mother wishes to see him,” she said, her voice barely steady. “She’s waiting.”

The woman guiding Ethan nodded, her demeanor calm despite the urgency. She turned back to him, gesturing for him to follow. “It’s time. She will explain everything.”

Ethan’s heart raced. He didn’t know what to expect, but the way everyone treated him like he was some kind of long-lost savior only made him more nervous.

As they walked, other women in the village began to notice him. Their eyes widened in shock, curiosity, and something else something he couldn’t quite place. Some whispered to each other, while others simply stared. He could feel the weight of their gazes, like he was being sized up, assessed.

“Do they all know about me?” Ethan asked, his voice low as they passed another cluster of women who were looking at him with awe.

“They’ve been waiting for you,” the woman responded quietly, not turning her head. “The whole realm knows.”

Ethan swallowed hard, his mind spinning with questions, but before he could ask anything else, they arrived at a massive stone structure standing at the center of the village. It was a temple, though unlike any he had ever seen. Ancient and majestic, with carvings of women and strange symbols etched into the stone, the place exuded a sense of power.

The woman leading him stepped forward and motioned for him to follow. “The Mother is inside. She’s been waiting for this day.”

Ethan hesitated for a moment before nodding and stepping through the grand entrance. His senses were overwhelmed by the cool air and the soft light filtering through the high windows. The scent of herbs and incense filled the room.

Suddenly, a figure moved toward him from the back of the room. The sound of her footsteps echoed in the silence. Ethan’s breath caught in his throat when he saw her a woman with silver hair that flowed down her back, wearing a golden robe that shimmered in the light. Her face was wise, yet beautiful, and she radiated a strange warmth.

It was her. The Mother.

She approached him slowly, her eyes locking onto his as if she had known him for a thousand years. Her steps were deliberate, her presence commanding. There was no mistaking her authority.

Ethan stood frozen, not sure what to say or do. Before he could think of anything, the Mother was right in front of him, her eyes roaming over his face, as if searching for something.

“The Promised One,” she whispered, her voice low and almost reverent.

She reached out with one hand, her fingers brushing his cheek softly. Her touch was gentle, but there was an intensity to it that made Ethan’s heart race.

“I’ve waited for you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “We’ve all waited.”

Ethan blinked, not sure how to respond. “Waited for me? I—I don’t understand what’s going on. Why am I here?”

The Mother’s eyes softened as she cupped his face with both hands, leaning in slightly, as if she were reuniting with someone she’d lost long ago. Her touch felt... intimate. Familiar, even.

“You were sent to us,” she murmured, her eyes searching his. “The gods foretold your arrival. You are the key to our future.”

Ethan’s heart pounded in his chest. “What does that mean? What do you want from me?”

The Mother’s hands slid down from his face, though she still stood close. “We are a realm of women, Ethan. For generations, we’ve been without a man. But the gods answered our prayers. You are here to restore the balance.”

“Restore the balance?” he echoed, his mind racing. “What... what does that involve?”

The Mother smiled softly, though there was something deeper in her gaze. “You will see. In time, you will understand.”

Ethan frowned, his thoughts jumbled. “Wait, are you saying you expect me to... father all the children?” The confusion in his voice was undeniable. “I’m just one guy, how is that even possible?”

The Mother didn’t flinch, her eyes still soft but serious. “You are not just any man, Ethan. You are the one the gods have chosen. It is not only your duty but your destiny.”

He took a step back, overwhelmed. “I... I don’t know if I can do this. You can’t just expect me to—"

Before he could finish, one of the women who had been silently watching from the side stepped forward. “Mother, should I prepare a place for him?”

The Mother nodded slowly, her eyes never leaving Ethan’s. “Yes. He must be cared for, but also... protected. He is precious to us now.”

Ethan looked around at the women who had gathered, their gazes filled with expectation. He could feel the weight of their hope pressing down on him, and it made his chest tighten.

“I....I’m not sure I can handle all of this,” he said quietly. “This is... too much.”

The Mother stepped closer again, her voice calming, almost soothing. “Take your time. You are not bound by anything... yet. But know this, Ethan: you are here for a reason. And that reason is greater than any of us.”

Her words hung in the air like a promise. Ethan glanced at the women around him, all watching, waiting. He had never asked for this, but somehow, it seemed like he had no choice.

“I need some time,” Ethan said softly, his mind spinning with questions.

The Mother nodded, her expression softening once more. “Of course. You will have all the time you need. We are patient.”

As she signaled for the women to lead him out, Ethan felt her eyes on him, lingering as if she still held him in her thoughts. He was their Promised One the man they had been waiting for, whether he liked it or not.